Healthy Homes Drainage & Moisture Standards.

Richard Gardner from All Ways Property

Rental properties must have efficient drainage for the removal of stormwater, surface water and groundwater, including an appropriate outfall. The drainage system must include gutters, downpipes and drains for the removal of water from the roof.

If the rental property has an enclosed subfloor, a ground moisture barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to do so.
Draught Stopping Standard.

Landlords must already provide rental properties in a reasonable state of repair.

Under the healthy homes standards, landlords must make sure the premises doesn’t have unreasonable gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, skylights, floors and doors which cause noticeable draughts. Landlords can’t use the age and condition of the house as a reason not to stop gaps or holes.

If rental homes have an open fireplace, it must be closed off, or the chimney blocked to prevent draughts in and out of the property through the fireplace.

Tenants can ask landlords in writing to make the fireplace available for use, and the landlord can agree. If it is available for use, it must be in good working order and free of any gaps which could cause a draught that is not necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the open fireplace. It is best practice to record any agreement in writing, with both tenant and landlord keeping a copy.

If a door has an unreasonable gap causing a noticeable draught, that draught must be stopped. While there is no set maximum gap for doors, the technical guidance document will help landlords and tenants identify when a gap is unreasonable, and the resulting draught stopped.